On board MS HANSEATIC from Longyearbyen to Kangerlussuaq

Expedition Spitsbergen, Iceland and Greenland: Three Arctic Adventures in One

While the midnight sun sparkles in the polar sky, three breathtaking islands unite to become a summer night’s dream without precedent. Between Spitsbergen’s spectacular glaciers, the mighty volcanoes of Iceland and the ice-covered coasts of Greenland, you will experience the entire diversity and beauty of the Arctic wilderness. Magic moments in the ice, fascinating wildlife observations and the hospitality of the Inuit will make you wish that this dream will never end.

Unforgettable Moments on SpitsbergenExperience ”Norway’s cold coast“ more intensively than on any other expedition. Where other ships have to turn around, the experienced crew and the skilled experts of the HANSEATIC navigate the ship into the middle of an overwhelming natural environment. You will be able to watch the large herds of walruses that gather here on the flat pebble beaches from close quarters while you cruise off the coast of the small island Moffen. In the Liefdefjord, the Zodiacs sail close to the majestic Monaco Glacier, the ablation zone on the edge of which rises vertically out of the sea. In Mushamna, you will discover how impressively humans can cope with Spitsbergen’s hostile environment if the trapper allows you to visit his hut. Your unforgettable experience-filled days that are especially long and intensive due the midnight sun continue in the Raudfjord in the face of a magnificent scenery - while the HANSEATIC cruises in the fjord, a view of the 3 km long edge of the glacier and of bird rocks unfolds. After you have admired the gorgeous panoramic view of the mountains in Sallyhamna, you will visit an important base for the conquest of the North Pole - Ny Alesund in the Kongsfjord. A statue commemorates the legendary expeditions of Roald Amundsen. Following a tour of discovery in Blomstrandhafen, the Zodiacs will take you to the most northern ”bar“ in the world in Moellerhafen.

Thu, 18.07.2013

Relaxation at sea

Fri, 19.07.2013

Cruising off Jan Mayen/Norway

A special farewell to Spitsbergen is guaranteed when you pass by the small island Jan Mayen - here, you will discover the only volcano in Norway and thus prepare yourself for the coming days ...

Sat, 20.07.2013

Relaxation at Sea

Sun, 21.07.2013 - Mon, 22.07.2013

Iceland (Grundarfjoerdur, Reykjavik)

Hot and Cold IcelandFire and ice are the defining elements of Iceland. You can see how the untamed forces of nature shape the landscape after setting out from Grundarfjoerdur. The excursion Snæfellsnes– mighty craters and lava fields* takes you to the glaciated volcano that represents the entry to the underworld portrayed in Jules Verne’s novel ”Journey to the Centre of the Earth“. Alternatively, you may wish to enjoy the most beautiful views of the impressive peak during the hike around the mountain Kirkjufell*. With Reykjavik, a cultural metropolis which is surrounded in an incomparable manner by a primordial natural environment will bid you welcome. The golden circle – Gullfoss and geysers* shows you particularly impressive phenomena - the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall and hot gushing columns of water ejected high into the air. Spectacular images that can also be seen from a bird’s eye view air during a panoramic flight over fire and ice*.

Tue, 23.07.2013

Relaxation at Sea

Wed, 24.07.2013 - Thu, 25.07.2013

East coast of Greenland (Ammassalik , Skjoldungen Sound )

Greenland for ExplorersGlaciers, deep fjords and dense drift ice fields - Greenland is the ideal place for explorers. However, it is only possible to experience the expedition in all its facets on board a ship like the HANSEATIC. Thanks to her highest ice class, she safely cruises past remote and inaccessible coastlines and enables you to have impressive encounters with the Inuit, for example when you visit the historic village house in Ammassalik. The next flexible days of your expedition are characterised by spectacular nature observations – whether you explore the depths of the Skjoldungen Sound surrounded by glaciers, are lucky enough to be able to watch bearded seals against the backdrop of overwhelming mountain panoramas in Prins Christian Sund.

In Alluitsoq and Unartoq untouched ice landscapes are expecting you. You will discover Greenland’s ”sugar loaves“ when you start off from Maniitsoq - snow-covered icebergs which Dutch whalers called ”Sukkertoppen“ in the 18th century. The settlement Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island was founded by Danish whalers. You can hike to the impressive basalt coast before you experience an absolute highlight of your expedition in Disko Bay - while you cruise with the HANSEATIC or during trips with the Zodiacs, icebergs of all shapes and sizes drift slowly from the Jakobshavn Glacier through the bay while the polar sun floods the bizarre landscape with its magical light. Breathtaking moments the impressions of which will remain vivid in your mind as we approach the colourful houses of Sisimiut – and also in Kangerlussuaq, where your unforgettable expedition ends.